[38] This plant, _Ocimum basilicum_, is much used by the Roumanians, who ascribe to it both medicinal and magic properties. [39] The Serbs have also a corresponding day, called the Theodor Saturday (_Todoroma Sumbota_), on which no work is done, on account of the sintotere, a monster, half man half horse, who rides upon whoever falls in his power. [40] Similar customs exist among the Hindoos, Slavs, and Serbs. [41] Also believed by most Slav races. [42] Also usual in Moldavia. [43] St. Elias is also known in Serbia as “Thunderer;” Bohemians and Russians have a thunder-god named Perum; the Poles, Piorun; the old Russians had Perkun, and the Lithuanians Perkunos—all of which may be assumed to be derived from the Indian sun-god, Surjar, or Mihirar, who, as personification of fire, is also named Perus. [44] Swine have been regarded as sacred animals by various people, which is probably the explanation of the German expression of _sauglück_ (sow’s luck), and of the _glückschweinchen_ (little luck-pigs) which have lately become fashionable as charms to hang to the watch-chain. [45] Also practised by the Saxons. CHAPTER XXVII. ROUMANIAN SUPERSTITION—CONTINUED: ANIMALS, WEATHER, MIXED SUPERSTITIONS, SPIRITS, SHADOWS, ETC. Of the household animals the sheep is the most highly prized by the Roumanian, who makes of it his companion, and frequently his oracle, as by its bearing it is often supposed to give warning when danger is near. The swallows here, as elsewhere, are luck-bringing birds, and go by the name of _galinele lui Dieu_—fowls of the Lord. There is always a treasure to be found where the first swallow has been espied. The crow, on the contrary, is a bird of evil omen, and is particularly ominous when it flies straight over the head of any man.[46] The magpie, when perched on a roof, gives notice of the approach of guests,[47] but a shrieking magpie meeting or accompanying a traveller denotes death. The cuckoo is an oracle to be consulted in manifold contingencies. This bird plays a great part in Roumanian poetry, and is frequently supposed to be the spirit of an unfortunate lover. It is never permissible to kill a spider, but a toad taking up its residence in a cow-byre should be stoned to death, as assuredly standing in the service of a witch, and sent there to purloin the milk. The same liberty must not, however, be taken with the equally pernicious weasel, and when these animals are found to inhabit a barn or stable, the peasant endeavors to render them harmless by diverting their thoughts into a safer channel. To this end a tiny thrashing-flail is prepared for the male weasel, and a distaff for his female partner, and these are laid at some place the animals are known to frequent. Those houses which can boast of a house-snake are particularly lucky.[48] Food is regularly placed for it near the hole; and killing it would entail dire misfortune to the family.